honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:44 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2008

U.S. women rout New Zealand to reach soccer quarterfinals

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

USA's Natasha Kai, right, celebrates after a 4-0 win over New Zealand in a Beijing 2008 Olympics Group G first round women's soccer match in Shenyang, China, on Tuesday.

ROBERTO CANDIA | Associated Press

spacer spacer

SHENYANG, China — Heather O'Reilly scored less than a minute into the match to lead the Unites States to a 4-0 win over New Zealand and a spot in the quarterfinals of the women's Olympic soccer tournament.

O'Reilly put the defending champions on the board 40 seconds into the match, firing a long-range right-footer over New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon. The U.S. then got goals from Amy Rodriguez in the 43rd minute, Lindsay Tarpley in the 57th minute and Angela Hucles in the 60th minute.

Tuesday's victory gave the U.S. first place in Group G with six points, edging Norway on goal difference and avoiding a match with title contender Brazil.

Natasha Kai, a former Kahuku High and University of Hawaii star, entered the game around the 57th minute and played the rest of the way. She did not have an attempt on goal.